Pages

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The Orchid House by Lucinda Riley

A beautiful story!
Synopsis:

As a child Julia Forrester spent many idyllic hours in the hothouse of Wharton Park, the great house where her grandfather tended exotic orchids. Years later, while struggling with overwhelming grief over the death of her husband and young child, she returns to the tranquility of the estate. There she reunites with Kit Crawford, heir to the estate and her possible salvation.

When they discover an old diary, Julia seeks out her grandmother to learn the truth behind a love affair that almost destroyed Wharton Park. Their search takes them back to the 1930s when a former heir to Wharton Park married his young society bride on the eve of World War II. When the two lovers are cruelly separated, the impact will be felt on generations to come.

Lucinda Riley skillfully sweeps her readers between the magical world of Wharton Park and Thailand during World War II with irresistible and atmospheric storytelling. Filled with twists and turns, passions and lies, and ultimately redemption, The Orchid House is a romantic, poignant novel that became an instant bestseller in the UK and Germany.

The Orchid House is a tantalizing story involving a grieving heroine, a secret diary, an ancient mansion, and long buried family secrets. The story’s main character is Julia who is grief-stricken over the death of her husband and son. She returns to her roots – a dilapidated mansion where she once spent countless hours with her grandfather in the conservatory watching him tend to orchids. There she meets the heir to estate and a friendship is sparked between them. The discovery of an old diary, long forgotten, sweeps Julia into the past where she uncovers family secrets and which ultimately help her heal.

Told through some flashbacks between the present and the past, these tantalizing reminisces helped build momentum and kept me enthralled to read further. The story held my interest with its twists and turns and fascinating characters. I immediately sympathized with the heroine whose grief and pain, as well as her gradual healing, was well portrayed. I especially enjoyed how the theme of a rare orchid flowed from start to finish. I cannot say enough about how lovely this book is to read. Utterly beautiful! Completely satisfying!

Welcome

History and Women is a compendium of Women's History, Biographies, and all things Feminine! Let me entertain you. Make yourself comfortable and plan to stay a while!

The Prophetic Queen: The Tumultuous Life of Matilde of Ringelheim

A Biographical Novel about the First Queen of Germany. (Click on the Cover to Purchase)

The Novice

An Italian Medieval Love Story. A young woman on the verge of taking her vows to become a nun. A desperate flight from a murderous massacre. One honorable man comes to her rescue. Another becomes her nemesis and captor. And a life and death search to reunite with her one true love. (Click on the cover to purchase)

Orphan of the Olive Tree

AWARDED THE B.R.A.G.G. MEDALLION for Indie Fiction! A compelling historical romance and family saga! A blood oath, a dreadful curse, and the evil eye. A dark family secret that will shatter lives and the woman who must risk everything to keep it buried. (Click on the cover to purchase)

The Contessa's Vendetta

To be buried alive is everyone's worst nightmare. When this happens to a wealthy Italian Contessa, faced with the ultimate betrayal, a murderous vendetta is her only solution! (Click on the cover to purchase!)

The Betrothal

A Betrothal gone horribly awry! An early 18th century take of corruption, wicked intentions, murder, obsessive love, undisclosed secrets, unstoppable destinies, and a woman whose secret will either destroy or restore lives!

The Pendant

A medieval tale about a lost ancient treasure. A 100 year family feud. And a woman with a passion richer than the bloodstone pendant she wears around her neck! (Click on the cover to purchase)